Smoky Mountains National Park

Question

Hi,With some friends I'm planning for a trip to Smoky mountains soon. I have not understood the rules about campfires. Is it legal to dig a hole and make a fire? Then when you're done put out the fire by burying it?Can I collect wood my self and make a campfire at a place that I define as safe and away from flammable trees, wood etc.?Thanks in advance

coolmom42 · Answer

EVERY legal campsite, even back country sites, in the National Park will have a designated fire ring, which is quite obvious. That fire ring is the ONLY place you are allowed to build a fire.

FAQ on firewood is HERE.

Basically you can only gather firewood that is on the ground, and can only burn that or wood you purchase in the park.

lwiddis · Answer

"Is it legal to dig a hole and make a fire? Then when you're done put out the fire by burying it?"

Without referring to any rules, have you imagined how such conduct would effect our parks multiplied thousands of times in campsites? Hole digging....burying the ashes. The answer is obvious.....NO!

terryallan · Answer

fb10 wrote:Hi,With some friends I'm planning for a trip to Smoky mountains soon. I have not understood the rules about campfires. Is it legal to dig a hole and make a fire? Then when you're done put out the fire by burying it?Can I collect wood my self and make a campfire at a place that I define as safe and away from flammable trees, wood etc.?Thanks in advanceSounds like you are not planning on using any sort of Campground. You better check to see if it is legal to stop and create your own. I'm betting it is not. Pretty sure you will have to stay in some sort of developed CG. Be it a National Park, or Private CG.

padlin · Answer

From the Backcountry rules page, which you are supposed to follow.

"4. Fires are only allowed at designated campsites and shelters and must be contained in a fire ring. Constructing new fire rings is prohibited. You may only burn wood that is dead and already on the ground. You may not cut any standing wood."

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-regs.htm

opie431 · Answer

Several years ago we hiked to a back country campsite. There was a fire ring on the site. It was an assigned site. Would love to go back but eighty is too old to backpack that far.

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